This is an impressive show by Keychron. It hasn't even been a year since the Q1 and nearly everything wrong with that board have been addressed with this one. The quality of available high end keyboards is continuously rising.
I just *have* to say this. Keychron has outdone themselves. This is as much of an opinionated of a keyboard design that I would ever imagine a pre-built manufacturer to ever embark on. Exploded arrows? Bravo. And the flex and case-ping issue solved? Magnificent. I will be recommending this to colleagues and friends;
@Patrick Star okay. But the shipping will definitely be solved by vendor stuff. And honestly, the amount of work you don't have to do, to get a custom board to sound good from the get go... Is worth it. I've got all the gear, but having to tweak gmmk pro so carefully just to get it somewhere semi decent is death...
A) Shorter beard looks nice. B) Killer review, especially the price summarization in the beginning and comparison between this and the Q1 C) Your videos just get better and better. Glad to watch them over the years.
Glad to hear that theyre implementing these mods on the Q1 as well. for various reasons, having a dedicated F row is a must for me. REALLY starting to look in to getting something custom, as my G915 is starting to wear on me. PS: When are we gonna see more on those BST Proto Tactiles....
I'm running the K8, which I've done a bunch of mods to, but the Q1 and Q2 are calling to me pretty hard. Except there's always that strong sense of sentimentality with the board you spent a lot of time and effort on, so it's hard to switch, even for something better, lol.
I thought the same thing , but just have both on my desk and use one to use on my phone. I also have one tactile and one linear, because I like both and get to use whatever I feel like
I suggest not getting a q1 I had one and it was really pingy but I didn’t put a Kilmat in and if you keep both of the bottom foams in it it’s really stiff
I just bought the Redragon, switched the keycaps, switches, lubed and tape modded the stabilisers and put foam inside. It looks, feels and sounds great lol. The money I spent though probably could have just ordered the Q2 and left it stock lol.
@@joe_ferreira I have a split usb c to usb a coiled cable for my keyboard that I love, I would love to have a usb c side that I could connect to the male coil connector
Thank you for telling people about the delivery fee - most reviewers do not mention that, and it's a hefty upcharge in a world where delivery is FREE on literally anything you buy online with a price tag that high. So thank you for mentioning that :)
Watching your videos REALLY makes me wish I had the budget for getting into custom keyboards (though I'm a full size guy, so all these small form factors aren't for me!). Really enjoying your content. I've gone back over 3 years of your stuff and it's all solid. Keep on killing it!
Unless you use the numpad for work, you can get used to not using it. I went from full size, to tkl, to a 65% and I really enjoy the smaller form factor because that gives my desk more mouse space in general for playing shooters. I also barely use the F-row and when I do need it, I have it macro'd with a function key. You can do customs for really cheap if you know where to look!
I use a KBDFans numpad (KBDPAD MKII) on the right side of my mouse pad. I find it to be more natural. I use a 60% for gaming and swap to a larger tkl for work. For me it's not a one size fits all uses. Doing development I prefer the F row even though I have used 60% exclusively for over 10 years with function layers. In the end it is all preference and you have to see what works for you.
I've never really understood that logic. Whats you size got to do with anything? The sizing in key layout is the same size apart from the smaller right shift it's only missing the F row, num pad and keys above the arrows. If you need any of those 65% probably not the form factor for you. Being 6' or even 6'5" makes no difference on the usability of the board at all if you don't use those the missing section (f keys are still really easy thought through a function layer).
The thin sound isn’t coming from the switches, but rather the separation of the top and bottom case. Less contact and transfer of vibration between the two = higher pitched and thinner sound. The more surface area you have contacting each other the deeper it will sound.
Love the vid! So happy Keychron are making adjustments to the Q1 as well. I've been eyeing it up for a while now so I'll wait for the newer version to be more prevalent before pulling the trigger
Okay I’m sold. I really like this! Love your vids my man. Really appreciate the way you lay out all relevant information with beautifully shot video. Literally one of the best in the business!!
Sweet. I'm hoping people got a similar result with the updated Q1! The Q1 (v1) I built for my friend was a bit of a nightmare. The case ping was stubborn and I made the mistake of opting for the FR4 plate which requires you to have a stand off nut from the plate visible on top of the PCB, half way under the arrow keys cluster. Also couldn't put MT3 into board because the keycaps straight up didn't fully fit through the case cutouts at the corners.
Wow, that's a really really nice stock config sounding board, quite possibly the best I've heard. The only negative for me, other than the fact I'm not a customs guy, is that in all variations we heard I still feel the spacebar needs more work. I like a more muted less hollow Spacebar sound to bring it more in line with the other keys. Great job though Keychron, if I ever go custom I think I know where I'll look first.
@@DavidReyes0224 Yeah, I wouldn't recommend it for normal caps/haven't seen it done, but for the spacebar one does see it these days. As someone also not deeply into the scene I'm not sure whether there's something pre-determined for that purpose one buys or whether one just cuts up some foam for the purpose. I think it was shown in one of his other recent vids. Edit: it was the Freebird TKL vid he did just before this. Marked with GMK so maybe something you buy from them?
The modular knob looks clunky and a little cheap, I think it would have looked much better if the square trim was flush, but kudos to them for getting it out into the wild like they promised. Otherwise, the board looks good if you don't mind going without F-keys and like smaller form factors but that shipping price hurts compared to some of the other options, especially for DHL's terrible service. $30 shipping on an "entry level" board for an American must sting but for us Canadians who are used to paying $30+ to order damn near anything it's just the cost of doing business haha.
Well, this is clearly already better than glorious They actually update the hardware (besides other things) when they have issues (I personally use the Akko Mod005 so, yeah)
Saw multiple reviews for this board, i've been on the Mass CTRL for a while now and have gotten bored with it, instantly copped as soon as you gave the green light. Love your reviews man, keep it up!!
Solid build, 65 with or without knob. Can be used with or without mod. Very beginner friendly. A good pick i guess for those who looking for a good 65 that doesnt break your wallet. The resin pour was interesting since they should pour it in a way front should look better than the back but still good stuff. I like what keychron is doing actually looking back their product and trying to fix based on community feedback.
Keep in mind he's comparing it to the old Q1 and not the Q1 knob edition which as improved upon like the Q2. So it's really coming down to either wanting a 75 v s 65 layout.
I'm happy that the sub- $200 custom keyboard market is becoming normalized. I honestly want the $4 - $500 Groupbuys to be its own independent thing, and you can just buy a huge library of cheaper, in-stock custom keyboards whenever you want, regardless of where you live.
Thank you for doing a build that has tape mod, pe foam mod, and poly fill. This is the config that I was going to go for with the Q3, and this video gives me a preview of what that would end up sounding like.
Thank you for the review! Q re the keycaps: some of the dye-sub PBT keycaps I see do not have super crips/clear legends (e.g., Hippo keycaps from KineticLabs). Are the legends super crisp and not fuzzy on those keycaps? I am loving the WoB hiragana...
Another high quality and informative review, which are usually right on time when I want to check some cool new keyboard. Dude, you work hard and it shows. Kudos. oh, and I saw that prototype tactile. I hope to hear more about THAT soon XD.
I really hope that one day a company is financially silly enough to release a kit like this with an ortho layout. Like a Boardwalk starter kit or something.
Honestly I’m not even sure that set is available. It was a really early sample and I don’t even know what they’re called. But if I find out, I’ll tweet it
but DHL is the goat shipping service tho, its always been on point for me with home delivery for the past 15 yrs, 1 to 3 days shipping from asia to europa for 30 bucks its pretty hard to beat, no idea where this board is shipped from tho, but imo 100% always worth the 30 bucks
DHL is the goat of shipping?! It is known worldwide that they are the worst and it's 50/50 to get your package. I know it because they lost my RTX 2060 and I never got my money back. I rather pay 40 for a decent shipping company, one with a helpdesk without non English speaking Indians trying to find my package somewhere in the world.
You’re the only sub I have notifications on for, thoroughly enjoy your review videos of all products. My one complaint? 10 minutes isn’t long enough lol. Would longer videos.
I want one but they sold out of the knob version quick and its not back yet. I just ordered my kbd67 mkII pvd laser version so nice I wanted the chrome version but sold out too fast got a portico I haven't put together my daily is a nk65v2 with telling v2s sounds great
I honestly feel they made a huge mistake going with a steel plate, but other than that it seems like a great “budget” board for people with a bit less experience.
What's up with all these boards with high front plate height and steep angles? Why should I have to buy a wrist wrest to offset the poor ergonomics of the case?
My main problem with the knob keychrons is that the knob doesn't look centered very well and the implementation of the knob on the little square plate doesn't really look as elegant as other knob boards. It just kind of looks out of place.
Impressive keeb. I wish they had additional switch selection, but this is an incredibly solid effort. Blue, knob - order with Pro reds and possibly substitute with black inks.
Hey Brian! Loved the video, super great stuff and I genuinely look forward to what Keychron will contribute to the hobby in the future! Regarding the part where you mention making a site that is friendly to beginners and will be able to updated with time: Is there any way I can contribute to that? I've been playing around with the same idea as a lot of keyboard resources out there are not accessible to beginners!
I just want a small wireless keyboard with mechanical keys that feels good but don't make any sound at all. I want the in built battery to charge through usb and last as long as the AAA battery keyboards do. I want it to be lower profile, so I don't need to use some chunky ugly wrist rest either... Is that too much too ask for?
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
My man hitting us with the metric measurements. Now that’s what I call professionalism
And trust me, the FBI knows a lot bout professionalism
Badseed prototype tactile? YESSS, great review as always.
Fuck dude I’m gonna have to pick one up
Probably a JWK switch.
@@christophergalvez6975 where
This is an impressive show by Keychron. It hasn't even been a year since the Q1 and nearly everything wrong with that board have been addressed with this one. The quality of available high end keyboards is continuously rising.
I think its a big L from keychron. So many good boards in this price range now.
it's amazing how far Keychron has come. This board looks legit
Excited to learn about the BadSeed tactile switch!
I'll be sure to pick them up if they're light tactiles
2:36 They actually updated the daughterboard connector to the main pcb in the latest restock of Q1s as well in the same way.
I just *have* to say this. Keychron has outdone themselves. This is as much of an opinionated of a keyboard design that I would ever imagine a pre-built manufacturer to ever embark on. Exploded arrows? Bravo.
And the flex and case-ping issue solved? Magnificent.
I will be recommending this to colleagues and friends;
@Patrick Star okay. But the shipping will definitely be solved by vendor stuff. And honestly, the amount of work you don't have to do, to get a custom board to sound good from the get go... Is worth it.
I've got all the gear, but having to tweak gmmk pro so carefully just to get it somewhere semi decent is death...
A) Shorter beard looks nice. B) Killer review, especially the price summarization in the beginning and comparison between this and the Q1 C) Your videos just get better and better. Glad to watch them over the years.
Glad to hear that theyre implementing these mods on the Q1 as well. for various reasons, having a dedicated F row is a must for me. REALLY starting to look in to getting something custom, as my G915 is starting to wear on me. PS: When are we gonna see more on those BST Proto Tactiles....
I'm running the K8, which I've done a bunch of mods to, but the Q1 and Q2 are calling to me pretty hard. Except there's always that strong sense of sentimentality with the board you spent a lot of time and effort on, so it's hard to switch, even for something better, lol.
Wait for the Q3 hopefully they will improve on that one as well, also it's a full TKL gasket mount for 150USD!!!
I thought the same thing , but just have both on my desk and use one to use on my phone. I also have one tactile and one linear, because I like both and get to use whatever I feel like
@@botbeamer uhh that sounds like something i could upgrade my k8 for.
I suggest not getting a q1 I had one and it was really pingy but I didn’t put a Kilmat in and if you keep both of the bottom foams in it it’s really stiff
I just bought the Redragon, switched the keycaps, switches, lubed and tape modded the stabilisers and put foam inside. It looks, feels and sounds great lol. The money I spent though probably could have just ordered the Q2 and left it stock lol.
I LOVE the USB c to USB c with a USB A adaptor. This is how it should be done
Agreed
Or buy a custom aviator cable with both ends. 😀
@@joe_ferreira I have a split usb c to usb a coiled cable for my keyboard that I love, I would love to have a usb c side that I could connect to the male coil connector
Thank you for telling people about the delivery fee - most reviewers do not mention that, and it's a hefty upcharge in a world where delivery is FREE on literally anything you buy online with a price tag that high. So thank you for mentioning that :)
Wait what!?! I had to go back like 4 times to see that it said "Badseed prototype tactile." That's sick man! I can't wait to try them!
Watching your videos REALLY makes me wish I had the budget for getting into custom keyboards (though I'm a full size guy, so all these small form factors aren't for me!). Really enjoying your content. I've gone back over 3 years of your stuff and it's all solid. Keep on killing it!
Unless you use the numpad for work, you can get used to not using it.
I went from full size, to tkl, to a 65% and I really enjoy the smaller form factor because that gives my desk more mouse space in general for playing shooters.
I also barely use the F-row and when I do need it, I have it macro'd with a function key.
You can do customs for really cheap if you know where to look!
I use a KBDFans numpad (KBDPAD MKII) on the right side of my mouse pad. I find it to be more natural. I use a 60% for gaming and swap to a larger tkl for work. For me it's not a one size fits all uses. Doing development I prefer the F row even though I have used 60% exclusively for over 10 years with function layers. In the end it is all preference and you have to see what works for you.
I've never really understood that logic. Whats you size got to do with anything? The sizing in key layout is the same size apart from the smaller right shift it's only missing the F row, num pad and keys above the arrows. If you need any of those 65% probably not the form factor for you. Being 6' or even 6'5" makes no difference on the usability of the board at all if you don't use those the missing section (f keys are still really easy thought through a function layer).
then you should look into some of Akko's offerings like the 3098B or 3098N, they are 96% boards with hotswap, rgb, ... and very suitable for beginners
I have the keychron 96 percent with numpad and its hard to go back to regular keyboards and I am a bigger guy as well....check it out
The day has come! Q2 baby! 65 gang!
The thin sound isn’t coming from the switches, but rather the separation of the top and bottom case. Less contact and transfer of vibration between the two = higher pitched and thinner sound. The more surface area you have contacting each other the deeper it will sound.
I see you with the new Badseed Tactiles! Can't wait to try a set of those out man.
Love the vid! So happy Keychron are making adjustments to the Q1 as well. I've been eyeing it up for a while now so I'll wait for the newer version to be more prevalent before pulling the trigger
What is that keycaps? It looks so good.
I'm deep down this rabbit hole typing this on a Keycult, but this board sound very impressive for an off the shelf product.
Where did you get the keycaps? Those look so clean!
"Badseed prototype tactice" HMM interesting
I need to get my hands on the badseed switch!
Okay I’m sold. I really like this! Love your vids my man. Really appreciate the way you lay out all relevant information with beautifully shot video. Literally one of the best in the business!!
Congratulations on being one of the first out with the Q2 review. Nicely done.
DAMN thats alot of flex, it gives the illusion that you are aggressively pressing down the keys.
Hey! Fantastic review as always. Do you plan on doing a review of the Q1 knob version?
im glad that the usb c is on the back of the keyboard instead of on the left side
man, your production value is so good you deserve even more subs man
Any info on the latency of on this board. Keychron boards only poll at 125hz right?
What an absolute barrage bombing of vital information on the board this video is, I love it. :D
Sweet. I'm hoping people got a similar result with the updated Q1! The Q1 (v1) I built for my friend was a bit of a nightmare. The case ping was stubborn and I made the mistake of opting for the FR4 plate which requires you to have a stand off nut from the plate visible on top of the PCB, half way under the arrow keys cluster. Also couldn't put MT3 into board because the keycaps straight up didn't fully fit through the case cutouts at the corners.
Badseed Prototype Tactile?! AYYYYOOOOO
What, we are supposed to just supposed to IGNORE the BadSeed Prototype switch?……Nah, spill it!
Great timing with this. I almost ordered the Q2 but went with the K2 v2 after chatting with you and doing a bit of research.
What made you go with the k2 v2?
@@ThUnderrated overall compact size and look.
Is it good for competitive gaming?
@@Agentfirestarter no idea.
@@ZAKtalksTECH my bad I read the comment wrong, Thought you said you ordered the q2 XD
Damn the amount of bounce is insane it's like pressing on jelly when you just press one key and the whole plate jiggles lol
Wow, that's a really really nice stock config sounding board, quite possibly the best I've heard. The only negative for me, other than the fact I'm not a customs guy, is that in all variations we heard I still feel the spacebar needs more work. I like a more muted less hollow Spacebar sound to bring it more in line with the other keys. Great job though Keychron, if I ever go custom I think I know where I'll look first.
As someone new to the keyboard scene, would putting foam/silicon directly in the keycap itself help with this?
@@DavidReyes0224 Yeah, I wouldn't recommend it for normal caps/haven't seen it done, but for the spacebar one does see it these days. As someone also not deeply into the scene I'm not sure whether there's something pre-determined for that purpose one buys or whether one just cuts up some foam for the purpose. I think it was shown in one of his other recent vids.
Edit: it was the Freebird TKL vid he did just before this. Marked with GMK so maybe something you buy from them?
Damn, I'm actually impressed
Shoutouts to mentioning the massive shipping cost in the video!
Anyway to mute or make the spacebar more thockier? It seems more hollow and noticeably louder than the rest of the keyboard.
Are you going to make a video about the Odin from KBDfans?
I thought VIA didn't support encoder rotations. Is that a new feature in VIA?
I might've missed it or not been looking but what sizes are we looking at for the right shift and the bottom row of keys
Keycap link?
Any updates on if and when you might be getting a Q3 to look at? 👀
The modular knob looks clunky and a little cheap, I think it would have looked much better if the square trim was flush, but kudos to them for getting it out into the wild like they promised.
Otherwise, the board looks good if you don't mind going without F-keys and like smaller form factors but that shipping price hurts compared to some of the other options, especially for DHL's terrible service. $30 shipping on an "entry level" board for an American must sting but for us Canadians who are used to paying $30+ to order damn near anything it's just the cost of doing business haha.
Omg the stock one already sounds amazing !
Well, this is clearly already better than glorious
They actually update the hardware (besides other things) when they have issues
(I personally use the Akko Mod005 so, yeah)
Saw multiple reviews for this board, i've been on the Mass CTRL for a while now and have gotten bored with it, instantly copped as soon as you gave the green light. Love your reviews man, keep it up!!
Solid build, 65 with or without knob. Can be used with or without mod. Very beginner friendly. A good pick i guess for those who looking for a good 65 that doesnt break your wallet. The resin pour was interesting since they should pour it in a way front should look better than the back but still good stuff. I like what keychron is doing actually looking back their product and trying to fix based on community feedback.
the mode 65 is better right? it has to be
Damn you can see that thing fleeeex when you type
Really glad this turned out better than the Q1. Hope they keep them in stock. Will definitely pick one up for a future build.
Keep in mind he's comparing it to the old Q1 and not the Q1 knob edition which as improved upon like the Q2. So it's really coming down to either wanting a 75 v s 65 layout.
kechron been killing it, glad the premade folks finally making custom teir boards.
Honestly don't know if I prefer the plate foam or not. They both sound good. You just have this board sounding good all around!
Gotta get my hands on those badseedtech switches! Great review homie.
This with a 2.4GHz wireless mode and I'm sold
I'm happy that the sub- $200 custom keyboard market is becoming normalized. I honestly want the $4 - $500 Groupbuys to be its own independent thing, and you can just buy a huge library of cheaper, in-stock custom keyboards whenever you want, regardless of where you live.
So tempted given my love for the Q1 but I've got to restrain myself on all these great entry level custom boards. Great video, Brian!
My eyes see: Badseedtech Prototype Tactiles
My ears hear: Stay up!
My knob responds: aye aye cap'n
this or fb tkl ?
Thank you for doing a build that has tape mod, pe foam mod, and poly fill. This is the config that I was going to go for with the Q3, and this video gives me a preview of what that would end up sounding like.
Prototype switches????? Ayyyyy
That looks really clean. Thought those keycaps were the Domikey Triple Shot WoB but Milkyway is really nice too.
Any plans on reviewing the K8 Pro?
Thank you for the review! Q re the keycaps: some of the dye-sub PBT keycaps I see do not have super crips/clear legends (e.g., Hippo keycaps from KineticLabs). Are the legends super crisp and not fuzzy on those keycaps? I am loving the WoB hiragana...
Another high quality and informative review, which are usually right on time when I want to check some cool new keyboard. Dude, you work hard and it shows. Kudos.
oh, and I saw that prototype tactile. I hope to hear more about THAT soon XD.
Can I add the knob later if I buy the version without it?
Hey Brian, I reviewed the Q2 for Tom's Hardware- try removing the in the board and it made the board flex a lot more.
Great vid Brian! I'm trying to find those keycaps. Are they instock by chance? Got a link?
This man said hold onto your knobs
Can someone send me a link to get that Milkyway keyset ? Thanks a lot
Anyone have a link to where he got those keycaps?
If i get this Q2 keyboard will i be able to use my halo clear switches from my Drop Alt?
Nice Video
*ahem* Badseed Prototype Tactile Switches? Oh aye....
I really hope that one day a company is financially silly enough to release a kit like this with an ortho layout. Like a Boardwalk starter kit or something.
This is the entry board to beat now.
Really love my k8. Nice to see them doing more.
Considering this or the ducky one 3 sf or tkl. Which is best?
Is it possible to replace the knob with a guitar knob, like the Gmmk pro?
Can you link the keycaps? I can't find them anywhere...
Honestly I’m not even sure that set is available. It was a really early sample and I don’t even know what they’re called.
But if I find out, I’ll tweet it
Which set of keycaps is that?
but DHL is the goat shipping service tho, its always been on point for me with home delivery for the past 15 yrs, 1 to 3 days shipping from asia to europa for 30 bucks its pretty hard to beat, no idea where this board is shipped from tho, but imo 100% always worth the 30 bucks
DHL is the goat of shipping?! It is known worldwide that they are the worst and it's 50/50 to get your package. I know it because they lost my RTX 2060 and I never got my money back. I rather pay 40 for a decent shipping company, one with a helpdesk without non English speaking Indians trying to find my package somewhere in the world.
You’re the only sub I have notifications on for, thoroughly enjoy your review videos of all products. My one complaint? 10 minutes isn’t long enough lol. Would longer videos.
I want one but they sold out of the knob version quick and its not back yet. I just ordered my kbd67 mkII pvd laser version so nice I wanted the chrome version but sold out too fast got a portico I haven't put together my daily is a nk65v2 with telling v2s sounds great
I honestly feel they made a huge mistake going with a steel plate, but other than that it seems like a great “budget” board for people with a bit less experience.
Availability cannot be overstated. I gave up on KBD Fans because my preferred item is never in stock. And at those prices, I want exactly what I want.
What's up with all these boards with high front plate height and steep angles? Why should I have to buy a wrist wrest to offset the poor ergonomics of the case?
Can you pull of the knob like the GMMK pro
Any idea if that wrist rest will fit nicely on a gmmk pro?
I am looooving all of these keyboard reviews. Keep up the great work my friend!
Great sponsor read.
My main problem with the knob keychrons is that the knob doesn't look centered very well and the implementation of the knob on the little square plate doesn't really look as elegant as other knob boards. It just kind of looks out of place.
Do you think 3mm Eva foam would fit?
Impressive keeb. I wish they had additional switch selection, but this is an incredibly solid effort. Blue, knob - order with Pro reds and possibly substitute with black inks.
Prototype Seed switches?! sign me up!
Keychron Q2 or Akko Mod 005.. I haven't seen any comparisons bc people don't pay Akko much mind ;;
Hey Brian! Loved the video, super great stuff and I genuinely look forward to what Keychron will contribute to the hobby in the future!
Regarding the part where you mention making a site that is friendly to beginners and will be able to updated with time: Is there any way I can contribute to that? I've been playing around with the same idea as a lot of keyboard resources out there are not accessible to beginners!
I just want a small wireless keyboard with mechanical keys that feels good but don't make any sound at all. I want the in built battery to charge through usb and last as long as the AAA battery keyboards do. I want it to be lower profile, so I don't need to use some chunky ugly wrist rest either...
Is that too much too ask for?
How would I contact you regarding your interest in reviewing a product I am having manufactured?